John Stevens is more than a school bus driver; he’s a guide, mentor, and a familiar friendly face in the Sequim community. Retired from the Coast Guard, John has dedicated the last two decades to safely transporting students and building lasting relationships with families, all while finding ways to serve beyond the bus.
“I had served in the Army and Coast Guard and had recently retired in 2003,” John recalls. “I was working as a diesel mechanic, but I really disliked it. I had been doing that for 20 years in the military. One night, I was just saying, ‘I don’t know what to do,’ asking for guidance. The next morning my wife suggested, ‘How about being a school bus driver?’ So, in March 2005, I became a bus driver for the Bellingham School District. I was there seven years until I moved to Sequim in 2012, and by September I was driving my own route here. I felt it was divine guidance that led me to this job.”
Over the years, John has driven regular routes and now serves on a special needs route. But for him, it’s the relationships that matter most. “When you’ve been driving for twenty years, you develop many relationships; with students, parents, teachers, paraeducators, bus aides, fellow drivers, staff. The list is long and wonderful,” he says. “I even see former students who are grown up now with families and careers. It’s fantastic to witness that growth and know you had a part in it.”
John’s work goes beyond simply transporting students. “We wear many hats; teacher, counselor, disciplinarian, and bus driver. Some students are with us from kindergarten until graduation, so we really get to be part of their learning and growing up.”
Outside of the bus, John’s dedication to service continues. He repairs bicycles for free, teaching people simple repairs so they can be self-sufficient and help others. He also volunteers at the Ramen Shop, a local church-run initiative, where he helps provide nutritious lunches to anyone in need. “We’re guided by what Jesus said: ‘You give them something to eat.’ We get lots of high school students coming in, which makes it fun and again builds more relationships,” he shares.
When asked what keeps him motivated? “The kids! Some people say the best part of this job is ‘the kids.’ And the frustrating part? Also ‘the kids.’ But honestly, our transportation team is wonderful, a mix of skilled drivers from many backgrounds, all passionate about our job. We wear many hats and take pride in what we do.”
John Stevens represents the heart of Sequim’s Transportation Department: safety, service, and genuine care. For him, driving a bus is more than a job; it’s a calling, one that continues to impact students, families, and the wider community every day. Behind the wheel and beyond it, John Stevens proves that the road to service can change lives, one stop at a time.